The 'comeback after 22 years' of actress Shim Eun-ha, who had a brilliant career in an era, turned out to be untrue. The return rumors that the public had eagerly anticipated concluded as a scam, leaving only disappointment. Recently, IU's homage to Shim Eun-ha alleviates this regret.

On the 3rd, according to Herald Economy, a person identified as A claimed they signed a contract with the production company Bi Poem Studio, purportedly for Shim Eun-ha's comeback, and has been sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in prison with 4 years of probation for charges of fraud under the Specific Economic Crimes Punishment Act. The court recognized all points of guilt, including A's forgery of Shim Eun-ha's power of attorney and the false contract, which resulted in A taking 1.65 billion won under the pretext of grants.

At the beginning of 2023, Bi Poem Studio stated in an official document that they had signed a contract with Shim Eun-ha and were preparing a comeback project, but Shim Eun-ha's side immediately denied it, stating it was 'absolutely false.' Following investigations and trials, both sides were revealed to be victims, and it became clear that it was A's lone crime.

Recently, Shim Eun-ha conveyed her well-wishes via phone to comedian Shim Hyun-seop's wedding, sharing her current situation through her voice, which led many to expect her actual comeback even more. However, the disappointment caused by this incident was immense. Many fans expressed regret that Shim Eun-ha's name was highlighted not for a long-awaited comeback project but as a 'fraud victim.'

Meanwhile, IU's recently released remake album 'Flower Bookmark 3' features the title track 'Never Ending Story,' which leaves a subtle lingering effect. It was created as an homage to the movie 'August's Christmas,' starring the late Han Seok-kyu and Shim Eun-ha. IU personally appeared in the music video, carefully recreating Shim Eun-ha's sensibility from the original work, which has led to reactions that this only deepens the sense of loss for Shim Eun-ha.

The music video was produced with the official approval of the original director Heo Jin-ho and the production company Sidus, and director Lee Jae-gyeong, who has collaborated with IU multiple times, took the reins. IU explained the emotional lines captured in the song and video, saying, 'I was mesmerized every time I listened to it, and I was so immersed that I felt a cough coming on while singing.'

Although the real comeback of an actress missed by the public did not occur, an homage within a video revived the emotions of that time. The situation that reemphasized the 'void left by Shim Eun-ha' left a bittersweet aftertaste along with the brief brilliance shown by IU.

[Photo] Movie, broadcast stills

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